Heather Irwin, Author at Sonoma Magazine

Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Best Ramen Spots in Sonoma County

February 2020

Noodle soup translates into warmth and happiness in just about any language, but in Japan, it’s called ramen.

Wila Imhoff heads across the street to Crooked Goat Brewing with a to go Acre Pizza in Sebastopol's Barlow district. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Acre Pizza Opens in Sebastopol’s Barlow

February 2020

Detroit-style pizza is a specialty at Acre Coffee's new pizzeria.

The Taqueria Molcajetes crew with Guy Fieri in 2018. (La Prensa Sonoma)

Guy Fieri Favorite Opening in Rincon Valley

February 2020

Two new Mexican spots and a bakery opening in early 2020.

Winter cocktails Mixologist Kilo Munoz serving a Spirit Works Barrel Gin Old Fashioned The grain-to-glass operation within SebastopolÕs The Barlow, run by Ashby and Timo Marshall, Spirit Works does everything in house, from milling the grain to creating the mash to distilling its gin, vodka and sloe gin on site and aging some of it in barrel. Its gin is made from Hard Red Winter wheat infused with juniper berries and then a mix of botanicals, some of them traditional, some inspired by whatÕs possible in California, a bit of coriander, citrus and cardamom in the propriety blend for sure. With its Barrel Gin, wintery overtones of oaky darkness add depth and complexity to the citrus-laden botanicals. It goes down easy, simply, over ice, with bitters. 2 ounces Spirit Works Distillery Barrel Gin 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters sugar cube soda

Taste The Best Booze in Sonoma at Wine Country Distillery Festival

February 2020

Coming up this weekend in Santa Rosa: taste vodka, gin, whiskey, bourbon and more from nearly 20 artisan distilleries.

Peche Melba crepe with preserved peach, berry jam, toasted almonds, chantilly cream with hard cider at Creperie Chez Solange in Larkfield. Heather Irwin/PD.

Holy Crepe: French Chef Opens Authentic Crepe Shop in Larkfield

January 2020

From Suzette to Nordic, there's a crepe and a cider for everyone at this Sonoma County creperie.

Gerard's Paella y Tapas in downtown Santa Rosa. (John Burgess)

Gerard’s Paella in Downtown Santa Rosa is Closing, Again

January 2020

“I just don’t have the staying power,” said owner and chef Gerard Nebesky, who has been featured on Food Network and is a popular caterer at large festivals like BottleRock.

Where to Try 2020’s Biggest Food and Drink Trends in Sonoma County

January 2020

The fried chicken trend gets hotter and sour drinks are all the rage. Here's more deliciousness to look forward to this year.

Korean fried chicken sandwich at Pat’s International in Guerneville. Heather Irwin/PD

Fried Chicken With A Side Of History at Pat’s International in Guerneville

January 2020

Take a seat at the retro-cool counter or pad into the dining room with wall-to-wall green carpeting and wooden picnic tables.

Persimmon and arugula salad at K&L Bistro in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

K&L Bistro Is Still a Sebastopol Star

December 2019

Animal tots, French onion soup and the best ravioli in the universe at Sebastopol bistro.

Lox and cream cheese sesame bagel at the Bagel Mill in Petaluma. Heather Irwin/PD

Petaluma’s Bagel Mill: New Yorker-Approved

December 2019

With a sourdough twist, it's meshugga how good these bagels are.